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ALIF scheduled for July 13

Hi everyone. I am scheduled to have ALIF surgery on July 13. I am a little anxious about the pain and recovery afterwards. Especially since I am ver overweight. (about 100lbs overweight) I had started WW's and had lost about 30 lbs but since hurting my back and not being very mobile, I haven't been able to lose much more. I know this is a kind of personal question...but has anyone who is significantly overweight had the surgery and if so how was your outcome. I can not live like this any more and I am looking forward to what will hopefully be a new start on life in about 3 weeks. I am mostly worried about my physical condition hindering the surgery and/or recovery.Any advise or experiences with this surgery would be greatly appreciated.I wish everyone who has had/will have surgery, a quick recovery.

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Hi and welcome! I have not had any surgery on my neck, so I can't share with you there, but I was and am (about 50 lbs) overweight since before my TLIF in January. It's hard to lose weight when you are feeling bad. As for outcome, I'm not doing too well fusing, but I really can't say if weight has anything to do with this current situation.

Of course, if we lose the weight we will feel better, and recovery will be easier, but I don't really think it can affect the outcome (again, I'm not a doctor, so I don't know for sure.)

Have you asked your surgeon about this? If not, and you are concerned, you should bring it up prior to surgery. Maybe he can put your mind at ease.

In the mean time, think positive thoughts and know that soon it will be over, and you will finally be on the road to recovery.

Hey Kat. Thanks for the info. I am having surgery on my back as well, not neck. (L5/S1 fusion) I am sorry you are still in a lot of pain and it's not fusing well. Here's hoping you get some relief,fusion AND SSDI!Take care.